Fair and Accountable Electronic Transactions: The Urgency of Consumer Protection, the Validity of Digital Contracts, and the Optimisation of Preventive and Repressive Dispute Resolution
Kata Kunci:
legal certainty, consumer protection, electronic transactions, digital agreements, e-commerceAbstrak
This research discusses legal certainty, electronic agreements, and consumer protection in online buying and selling transactions in Indonesia. Based on Article 2 of Law No. 19 of 2016 concerning ITE, electronic transactions are defined as buying and selling activities through online media without physical encounters between sellers and buyers, thus demanding strong legal certainty so that every stage of the transaction runs transparently and accountably. In the realm of civil law, electronic agreements are adhesion contracts (standardized contracts) designed unilaterally by business actors and agreed upon digitally by consumers. Indonesian law recognizes the validity of electronic contracts based on Article 1320 of the Civil Code (KUHPerdata) and the ITE Law, which place digital contracts on par with conventional written contracts as long as they meet the elements of a valid agreement and are reinforced by electronic signatures. Consumer protection is implemented through two mechanisms: preventive measures (digital literacy, information transparency, government supervision) and repressive measures (dispute resolution through litigation, non-litigation, and internal e-commerce platform mechanisms). The legal foundations include the UUPK (Consumer Protection Law) and Government Regulation No. 80 of 2019 concerning PMSE. However, the implementation of legal protection still faces serious obstacles, including weak law enforcement, the absence of comprehensive regulations on personal data protection, and low consumer awareness to report violations. The effectiveness of institutions such as BPSK highly depends on active community participation and institutional capacity. The success of consumer protection is determined by close cooperation between the government, business actors acting in good faith, and smart consumers who are aware of their rights. Institutional strengthening, increased legal literacy, and the acceleration of personal data protection laws are absolute requirements to realize legal certainty for electronic transactions that are equitable, secure, and sustainable in Indonesia.
Referensi
Ali, E. M., Dirgantara, F., & Darmawan, D. 2024. Legal Protection of Consumers in Online Transactions: A Case Study of Online Fraud in Indonesia. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(3), 27-38.
Ali, R., & Darmawan, D. 2023. Big Data Management Optimization for Managerial Decision Making and Business Strategy. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 139-144.
Antari, P. E. D., Yanti, N. K. P., Ramadhan, F., & Antari, P. E. D. 2025. The Authority Of The Consumer Dispute Resolution Body (Bpsk) Over Default Disputes In Electronic Commerce. Lex Journal, 9(1), 123–144.
Anugroh, Y. G., Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., Khayru, R. K., & Putra, A. R. 2023. Consumer Protection and Responsibilities of E-commerce Platforms in Ensuring the Smooth Process of Returning Goods in COD Transactions. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 89-94.
Arrasyiid, M. R., Art, S. M., & Putra, M. R. A. 2023. Implementation Of The Electronic Information And Transaction Law On The Culture Of Online Buying And Selling Transactions In Protecting Consumers. Journal Of Education Technology Information Social Sciences And Health. 2(2),1121-1126
Ayu, H., Zuhri, L., Rosalia, O., & Firayani, F. 2025. Juridical Review Of Consumer Dispute Resolution In Online Marketplace Transactions. Leges Privatae., 1(5), 32–39.
Aziz, A., Darmawan, D., Khayru, R. K., & Wibowo, A. S. 2023. Effectiveness of Personal Data Protection Regulation in Indonesia's Fintech Sector. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 23-28.
Balkista, D. N., Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., Saktiawan, P., & Saputra, R. 2024. Legal Gaps and Enforcement Challenges in Addressing Digital Fraud Involving Cryptocurrencies as Tradable Commodities in Indonesia. Journal of Science, Technology and Society (SICO), 5(2), 33–44.
Bashori, B., Hardyansah, R., & Darmawan, D. 2024. Legal Analysis of Big Data and Analytics in Preventing Discrimination and Protecting Insurance Customers. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 185-192.
Darmawan, D. 2022a. Environmental Accountability through Business Ethics, Responsibility, Morals and Legal Obligations. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 1(2), 1-6.
Darmawan, D. 2022b. Salesperson Interaction Quality and Consumer Decisions in Online Transactions. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 91-98.
Darmawan, D. 2024. Algorithmic Management in Digital Platforms and Work Dehumanization in the Gig Economy. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 4(2), 183-216.
Darmawan, D., & Gatheru, J. 2021. Understanding Impulsive Buying Behavior in Marketplace. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 11-18.
Darmawan, D., Gardi, B., & Da Silva, E. B. 2023. Exploration of Changes in Management and Employee Work Relations in Multinational Companies in the Era of Literacy-Based Digitalization. Journal of Science, Technology and Society (SICO), 4(2), 43–54.
Daud, E. Z., & Suyanto, H. 2024. The Legal Protection On Consumers Of E-Commerce Transactions In Indonesia. Law Development Journal, 6(2), 266–266.
Fared, M. A., Darmawan, D., & Khairi, M. 2021. Contribution of E-Service Quality to Repurchase Intention with Mediation of Customer Satisfaction: Study of Online Shopping Through Marketplace. Journal of Marketing and Business Research (MARK), 1(2), 93-106.
Farizy, S. A., & Farizy, S. A. 2024. Perlindungan Hukum Terhadap Konsumen Dalam Kasus Penipuan Transaksi E-Commerce. Jurnal Hukum Positum, 9(2), 204–218.
Halizah, S. N., & Darmawan, D. 2025. Kompetensi Digital Marketing dan Peran Literasi Digital pada Wirausaha Muda. Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Bisnis, 15(1), 81-96.
Hamzani, A. I., Widyastuti, T. V., Khasanah, N., & Rusli, M. H. M. 2023. Legal Research Method: Theoretical And Implementative Review. International Journal Of Membrane Science And Technology, 10(2), 3610-3619.
Hardyansah, R., & Putra, A. R. 2023. Building Regional Economic Stability Through Effective Legal Protection for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 15-22.
Husnulwati, S., Hijawati, H., & Yanuarsi, S. 2024. Jaminan Hukum Bagi Konsumen Dalam Melakukan Pembelian Pada E-Commerce Di Indonesia. Solusi, 22(1), 55–69.
Ilham, M., & Arini, S. 2024. Kebijakan Hukum Transaksi Bisnis E-Commerce Di Indonesia. Khatulistiwa Law Review, 3(1), 469–470.
Indarto, T., Negara, D. S., & Darmawan, D. 2023. Legal Frameworks for Mitigating Monopoly Practices Adverse to MSMEs in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 1-8.
Infante, A., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2022. The Potential of Social Media as a Means of Online Business Promotion. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 45-49.
Irfansyah, M. F., Darmawan, D., & Hardyansah, R. 2024. Implementation of the Principle of Good Faith in Contract Performance. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(2), 51-56.
Ismunandar, A., Wulandari, C. I., Ma’ruf, C., Ismunandar, A., Wulandari, C. I., & Ma’ruf, C. 2021. Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Konsumen Dalam Transaksi Jual Beli Online Atau E-Commerce Menurut Undang-Undang Nomor 8 Tahun 1999 Dan Undang-Undang Nomor 11 Tahun 2008 Di Indonesia. 1(02), 63–73.
Kemarauwana, M., & Darmawan, D. 2020. Perceived Ease of Use Contribution to Behavioral Intention in Digital Payment. Journal of Science, Technology and Society (SICO), 1(1), 1–4.
Lambi, M., & Siswani, C. B. 2024. Legal Protection For Consumers In Electronic Transactions. Eduvest, 4(1), 243–252.
Lengkong, M., Telaumbanua, S., Herlin, H., Lembang, N. R., & Atasya, S. N. 2025. Perlindungan Hukum Bagi Pelaku Usaha Dan Konsumen Serta Tanggung Jawab Pelaku Usaha Untuk Mempermudah Transaksi Jual Beli Dalam Sistem Perdagangan Online. Khatulistiwa, 5(2), 74–88.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Darmawan, D. 2021. Business Sustainability Strategies in the Facing of Regulatory Uncertainty and Managerial Challenges. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(2), 111-118.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Halizah, S. N. 2024. Strategi Promosi Usaha Berbasis Media Sosial pada Era Ekonomi Digital. Jurnal Ekonomi Dan Bisnis, 14(1), 51-66.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Hariani, M. 2021. Realizing Sustainability in Public Policy: Building a Balance between Economy, Social, and Environment. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 191-196.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Wardoyo, D. T. W. 2024. Green Technology Integration in Management for Social and Environmental Sustainability. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 6(2), 6-10.
Mardikaningsih, R., & Wardoyo, D. T. W. 2024. The Role of Technology in Human Resource Development for Sustainability: A Literature Review on Digital Innovation. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(3), 20-26.
Mardikaningsih, R., Azizah, E. I., Putri, N. N., Alfan, M. N., & Rudiansyah, M. M. D. H. 2022. Business Survival: Competence Of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. Journal of Social Science Studies (JOS3), 2(1), 1-4.
Marsal, A. P., Darmawan, D., & Hardyansah, R. 2025. Product Liability, Defective Goods, and Consumer Compensation in Business Law. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 4(3), 59-68.
Martam, N. K. 2024. The Effectiveness Of Electronic Signatures In Civil Contracts In The Digital Era. International Journal Of Law, Crime And Justice, 1(4), 128–136.
Maulana, Halim, K. S., Fauziah, A., Kuncoro, S., & Dayanti, D. 2023. Perlindungan Konsumen Pada Transaksi Perdagangan Eelektronik ( E-Commerce ). Jurnal Hukum Legalita, 5(1), 82–95.
Muhammad, A. I., Saputra, R., Pakpahan, N. H., Darmawan, D., & Khayru, R. K. 2023. Ethics and Legality in the Dissemination of Information on Traffic Accident Victims Through Digital Media. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 235-244.
Mujisulistyo, Y. F., Darmawan, D., & Dirgantara, F. 2024. Reconstruction of the Legal Mechanism for Consumer Rights Recovery Regarding Personal Data Leaks in the Financial Technology and E-Commerce Sectors in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 75-84.
Musmualim, M., Fuad, F., & Suartini, S. 2024. Legal Protection For Consumers In Transations E-Commerce By Era Digital. Eduvest, 4(12), 11935–11943.
Negara, D. S., & Darmawan, D. 2023. Digital Empowerment: Ensuring Legal Protections for Online Arisan Engagements. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 2(2), 13-19.
Negara, D. S., Darmawan, D., & Gardi, B. 2021. The Approach of Consumer Reviews to Product Competitiveness and Management Strategies. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(2), 149-154.
Negara, D. S., Jauhari, M. A., & Darmawan, D. 2024. Responsibilities of Digital Marketplace Platforms and Anticompetitive Assessments in Business Law. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 407-422.
Nilamjati, R. S., Sudarwanto, A. S., Muryanto, Y. T., Nilamjati, R. S., Sudarwanto, A. S., & Muryanto, Y. T. 2025. E-Contract In The Aspect Of Online Sale And Purchase Agreement Correlated With Article 1320 Of The Civil Code. Siber International Journal Of Advanced Law, 2(3), 106–112.
Noor, T., Putra, A. R., Suyuti, M., Khayru, R. K., Hariani, M., Issalillah, F., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2023. Implementation of Criminal Regulations on The Use of Hazardous Chemicals in Food Distribution. International Journal of Service Science, Management, Engineering, and Technology, 4(3), 13-17.
Oluwatosin, A. 2024. Privacy Rights, Inference, and User Trust in Digital Platform Services. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 381-390.
Purwanto, I., Darmawan, D., Dirgantara, F., & Halizah, S. N. 2023. Implementation of Cosmetic Product Labeling Regulations for Consumer Protection and Fair Competition in the Marketplace. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 165-170.
Putra, A. F. A., Dianta, D., Putra, A. F. A., & Dianta, D. 2025. Implementasi Penyelesaian Sengketa E-Commerce Dalam Hal Terjadinya Pelanggaran Pelaku Usaha. Officium Notarium, 5(1), 1–25.
Putra, A. R., & Wibowo, A. S. 2023. Royalty Fee Arrangement in Franchise Business and its Legal Implication in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 171-176.
Putra, A. R., Hardyansah, R., & Wibowo, A. S. 2022. Ethical Foundations of Franchisor-Franchisee Relationships and Their Influence on Business Performance Outcomes Across Franchise Systems. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 279-284.
Radjawane, L. E., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2022. Building Ethical and Fair Technology: Approaches to Responsible Technology Development and Application. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(1), 189-194.
Rahman, A., Darmawan, D., & Saputra, R. 2024. Analysis of Cross-border Payment Regulation and its Impact on Consumers in Indonesia. Bulletin of Science, Technology and Society, 3(2), 23-28.
Ramle, N. L. B., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2022. Inclusivity in Technology-Based Services: Access and Skills Challenges. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 225-230.
Rezkiyanti, D. T., Wahyudi, W., Rezkiyanti, D. T., & Wahyudi, W. 2025. Legal Protection For Consumers In The Process Of Online Buying And Selling Transactions In The Marketplace. Jurnal Ekonomi Kuntansi Manajemen Bisnis Dan Teknik Global. 1(3), 264–272
Sahid, R. R., Hardyansah, R., Darmawan, D., Negara, D. S., & Khayru, R. K. 2023. Legal Perspective of Investment Risk Mitigation on Peer-to-peer Lending Platforms. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 177-184.
Sholihan, S., Rusydi, R., Bagus, S. S., Sudin, A., & Qulub, A. 2024. Perlindungan Hukum Konsumen Dalam Jual Beli Yang Tidak Sesuai Dengan Perjanjian Pada Transaksi E-Commerce. Madani Jurnal Politik Dan Sosial Kemasyarakatan, 16(01), 15-39.
Sinaga, S., & Sinaga, S. 2025. Digital Era Business Law Transformation: Legal Certainty Analysis In E-Commerce Transactions In Indonesia. Jurnal Meta Hukum, 4(3), 127–141
Sinambela, E. A. & D. Darmawan. 2022. Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Electronic Money as a Substitute for Cash, Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 56-61.
Sinambela, E. A., & Darmawan, D. 2022. Strengths and Weaknesses of Using Electronic Money as a Substitute for Cash. Journal of Social Science Studies, 2(2), 56-61.
Sinambela, E. A., Nurmalasari, D., Darmawan, D., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2021. The Role of Business Capital, Level of Education, and Technology in Increasing Business Income. Studi Ilmu Sosial Indonesia, 1(1), 77-92.
Sinuhaji, Y. L., Anggusti, M., & Gultom, M. H. 2025. Legal Responsibility Of Buyers To Sellers Who Suffer Losses Due To Default In Online Sales And Purchase Agreements Based On Law No. 8 Of 1999 Concerning Consumer Protection. Journal Of Legal And Cultural Analytics, 4(3), 1069–1082.
Sulaiman, M., Pakpahan, N. H., & Putra, A. R. 2023. Analysis of the Validity and Effectiveness of Electronic Contracts in Legal Protection of Digital Transactions in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 41-46.
Supriyanto, P., Hardyansah, R., Putra, A. R., Arifin, S., & Waskito, S. (2023). Implementation of Consumer Protection Law in Handling Lost Goods by Domestic Freight Forwarders. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 83-88.
Supriyanto, Sumiyati, Prabowo, M. S., Supriyanto, Sumiyati, & Prabowo, M. S. 2025. Consumer Protection Legal Frameworks In Indonesia: The Challenges Of E-Commerce And Data Privacy. Research Horizon, 5(2), 119–128.
Suriyat, C., Lubis, J., Sutejo, B., & Rizki, I. H. 2025. Juridical Analysis Of Consumer Protection In Electronic Transactions. 1(6), 296–303.
Tudose, M. 2024. Legal Features Of Contracts Concluded By Electronic Means. In Integrare Prin Cercetare Și Inovare. 304-308).
Tuhumury, H. 2025. Legal Protection For Consumers In Online Transactions: A Case Study Of Marketplace Platforms In Indonesia. Leges Privatae., 2(2), 10–17.
Wibowo, A. S., Darmawan, D., Halizah, S. N., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2023. Optimizing the Principles of Healthy Business Competition and the Role of KPPU for a Fair Economy in the Digital Era. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(1), 95-100.
Wibowo, A. S., Darmawan, D., Negara, D. S., & Hardyansah, R. 2023) Analysis of Value Added Tax Application on Electronic Commerce Transaction in Digital Economy System in Indonesia. Journal of Social Science Studies, 3(2), 83-88.
Wiyandarini, G., Hariani, M., & Mardikaningsih, R. 2021. Community-based Institutional Financing Model through Cooperatives for Micro and Small Enterprises. Journal of Social Science Studies, 1(1), 263-268.
Yulinda, K., Tiara, D., & Mene, M. 2024. Legal Protection For Consumers In Online Buying And Selling Transactions According To Positive Law In Indonesia. Jurnal Ilmiah Ekotrans & Erudisi., 4(2), 31–43.
Yuliska, E., & Yuliska, E. 2024. Peran Perlindungan Bagi Konsumen Dan Pelaku Usaha Berdasarkan Undang-Undang No. 8 Tahun 1999. 2(2), 99–108.
Yuristiawan, A., Darmawan, D., & Hardyansah, R. 2024. Digital Credit Regulations in Business Law and Financial Markets. Journal of Social Science Studies, 4(1), 371-380.
Yuswanti, A., & Redi, A. 2025. Optimizing The Role Of Notaries In Increasing Legal Certainty And Consumer Protection In Electronic Commerce Transactions. 3(2), 143–152.
Zanariyah, S. 2025. Penyelesaian Sengketa Konsumen Dengan Pelaku Usaha Di Luar Pengadilan Dalam Perspektif Undang-Undang Perlindungan Konsumen. Jurnal Justicia Sains, 9(1), 248–267.
Zulkarnain, A., Darmawan, D., & Hardyansah, R. 2024. Effectiveness of Law No. 5 of 1999 in Handling Cross-Border Business Competition. SAPIENTIA ET VIRTUS, 9(2), 461-475.
